Nature hikes, free camping, off-road bicycling, fishing and paddling are fabulous in this pair of magical wildlife areas in the far reaches of Palm Beach County
Southeast Florida
Southeast Florida Getaways
Things to do in Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Stuart and getaways to outdoor recreation, hiking, biking, trails, canoeing, kayaking, places to camp, places to stay, unique restaurants, road trips, historic places and Funky Florida.
Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail: Ideal for bicycling fast and far
Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, like the lake it encircles, is big. You can ride for miles on a smooth paved path with lake views and no traffic or intersections.
10 wonders of Fruit and Spice Park, a unique garden in Miami’s Redland
At Fruit and Spice Park, you can taste exotic tropical fruit and learn about unusual plants that grow in this fertile rural area in Homestead. There are 500 varieties of fruit, spices and nuts from around the world.
Oleta River State Park feels like island getaway in Miami urban sprawl
This Miami state park is a remarkable island of green where you can kayak, mountain bike, picnic and enjoy a sandy beach. There are even rustic cabins to rent. It’s the largest urban park in Florida.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Top beach, lighthouse & sangria on Key Biscayne
The Cape Florida lighthouse, the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, celebrates its 200th birthday in 2025. This state park is more natural than it has been for decades. Enjoy the terrific beach, tropical hammock, tour the historic lighthouse ande dine at restaurants with great views.
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve: Kayak to wild island and beach
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve fits my definition of a hidden paradise: A scenic kayak trail on a wild island that ends at a spectacular hidden beach or secret lagoon. This little-known state park in Stuart is accessible only by boat.
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: Wild spot to kayak, hike, bike
It’s a perfect time to explore Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach. The kayak trail has been cleared of water lilies clogging the way. You can rent or launch kayaks here, but also hike an exquisite boardwalk through a cypress forest and see birds and other wildlife on the trails.
John D. MacArthur State Park: Kayak trail to Munyon Island for beaches, mangrove tunnels
MacArthur Beach State Park offers one of my favorite kinds of kayak trails – a trip to an island reachable only by boat. To make it better, historic Munyon Island has an interesting story and great scenery.
Robert Is Here: 6 reasons to stop here on way to Everglades
Robert Is Here, just outside Everglades National Park, is a must-stop for my family on the basis of its fresh-fruit milkshakes alone. But we also love the menangerie out back, the exotic tropical fruits there for the tasting and the overall ambiance.
Kayaking St. Lucie River waterways: Many kayak trails to explore
We’ve spent several great days kayaking the waterways along the St. Lucie River in the Treasure Coast. Here are three kayak trails we like: St. Lucie south branch , St. Lucie Inlet Preserve and Ten Mile Creek.